The Glorious Evolution Chapter 456: Noble House Zen.

Levi nodded, a familiar scenario unfolding as it mirrored accounts from surviving Rifters he’d encountered online. These very Rifters, along with their families, had swiftly united, launching a class-action lawsuit against House Zen within the Cricetii Clan Elementary Courthouse, the designated venue for such conflicts.

The case, involving a prominent Noble House dealing in reinforced artifacts, garnered considerable public interest. This heightened scrutiny only exacerbated House Zen’s predicament, especially after they suffered a devastating loss in court.

While the lawsuit’s specifics remained confidential, a consequence of a substantial settlement, the repercussions were undeniable. Even with the defendant Rifters honoring the settlement’s non-disclosure terms, the damage was already profound.

House Zen saw its customer base decimated, losing approximately 99% of its patrons. No one dared purchase a potentially faulty reinforced artifact that could endanger their lives.

Adding to their woes, Levi discovered that even their collaborating Artifacts Crafters had distanced themselves, eager to protect their own reputations from the fallout.

This explained the abundance of low-grade artifacts filling the store, despite its advantageous location.

“I realize this may sound like I’m deflecting or fabricating reasons to encourage a purchase, but I assure you,” the Clerk began, her voice laced with helplessness, “our technique was, and always has been, impeccable. Grand Zen Ancestor perfected the Zen Constellation Coating technique, passing it down as his final legacy. My family has faithfully employed this mastery for centuries, coating thousands of artifacts without a single reported issue…”

“I see…” Levi responded, acknowledging the information.

Examining the pistol firsthand, he confirmed the technique’s flawlessness and recognized the situation’s man-made origins.

As anticipated, the Clerk’s demeanor shifted, her expression hardening as she continued, “This entire debacle was orchestrated by House Targon, aided by my own treacherous uncle who betrayed us to them.”

Levi wasn’t taken aback by this revelation. House Zen had been relentlessly striving to salvage their reputation by exposing the truth behind the scandal.

They consistently highlighted House Targon and the traitorous uncle in all their public statements and online discussions. However, the damage was too extensive, and House Targon’s concerted efforts to suppress their narrative rendered their attempts at exoneration virtually impossible without concrete proof.

“House Targon?” Levi feigned ignorance, tilting his head with a puzzled expression.

He understood that if the Clerk perceived his true, opportunistic intentions behind acquiring their store during its vulnerability, he would be branded alongside House Targon.

“They are our neighboring noble estate, constantly seeking to expand their influence by annexing our territory,” the Clerk spat hatefully. “For decades, those scoundrels have plotted our downfall. They’ve assassinated our most promising talents, individuals poised to inherit Baronial titles and perpetuate our noble lineage… now, it’s perhaps too l–”

Interrupting herself, she abruptly ceased her lament, realizing she was on the verge of divulging a critical secret.

The Final Demotion Timer.

Levi immediately detected the shift in atmosphere. He inferred that House Zen had been discreetly managing the crisis, attempting to stabilize their situation before external forces fully capitalized on their weakness.

However, once the timer was initiated, a strict three-month deadline was imposed for a descendant to attain a noble title.

This scenario predominantly affected lesser noble houses (Barons or Viscounts) whose founders perished in the Ring or similar arenas. If a Noble House lacked any living member possessing a legitimate noble title, a grace period of several decades would be granted for a descendant to restore their standing. Should the descendants fail to achieve noble status within this timeframe, the System would activate the Final Demotion Timer – a precursor to forfeiture.

Although only privileges were revoked, not the territory itself, these privileges were paramount. Only nobles held the authority to establish towns, cities, and nations within their domains.

With the loss of these privileges, the inhabitants who sustained the territory’s economy would be displaced to their original homelands, irrespective of whether those locations were stable or had succumbed to corruption, as they would no longer be officially recognized residents.

Furthermore, the Noble House would face insurmountable territorial taxes and operational costs without the support of its populace.

The Boundless Expanse offered every individual an avenue to achieve greatness, akin to kings and queens, through their own strength. Yet, it possessed the equal capacity to strip away status if the bloodline proved incapable of upholding it.

Aware of these implications, Levi maintained his facade of naivete and promptly steered the conversation in a new direction.

"My intuition for people has always been spot on! You don't need to elaborate further, I trust your word." Levi softened his demeanor, aiming to assuage her concerns. "I truly sympathize with your family's predicament. If it brings any solace, I am prepared to acquire six defensive artifacts for myself and my companions."

Upon hearing this, the clerk was momentarily taken aback. Observing Levi's sincere smile, she felt a sense of ease, as though he genuinely empathized with her family's plight.

She had recounted her story countless times, both online and in person, yet each time she was dismissed as a charlatan, a fabricator, or simply ignored.

The Zen House's reputation was, from a commercial standpoint, beyond repair without a substantial influx of capital to erase the past and rebuild anew.

However, their financial situation had become dire following their loss in the class-action lawsuit and the subsequent cessation of their lucrative trade in reinforced artifacts.

The circumstances were so dire that this marked her first actual artifact sale in two entire months. Nevertheless, the clerk was no ordinary employee.

Suppressing her elation, she promptly guided Levi through their inventory of artifacts, granting him the freedom to select any items he desired. Once he had chosen six artifacts, she carefully packaged them into containers and returned to the counter to finalize the transaction.

Levi settled the payment of approximately five thousand credits via the dimensional screen. He then offered a subtle nod of appreciation before departing the establishment.

The clerk's gaze remained fixed on his retreating figure until he was swallowed by the bustling throngs of people. The moment he vanished from sight, she spontaneously erupted into a series of jubilant dance moves, cheering herself on.

"I maaaade a sale... I maaaade a sale... Who made a sale? Meee... ah, ah, ah!"

Alas, as she reveled in her dancing, Levi unexpectedly reappeared and stood at the shop's entrance, his expression inscrutable as he observed the clerk's celebratory routine.

She was captured mid-twirl, her fists pumped high in the air, a broad grin plastered across her face. But as she completed her spin, her eyes met Levi's faintly amused smile.

He hadn't shifted an inch, simply standing there with one hand resting on the doorframe. The clerk froze, her arms still aloft, one leg suspended mid-air.

A heavy silence descended upon the shop for a few moments. Then, overcome by sheer mortification, she abruptly dropped behind the counter.

Levi cleared his throat before speaking, "I neglected to inquire... I might require a delivery arrangement for a larger order at a later time. May I have your name and contact number?"

A few moments elapsed. Slowly, a single, white-furred hand emerged from behind the counter, quivering slightly. It held a small business card delicately between two fingers.

"I am Sati Zen..." a muffled whisper emanated from the floor. "The number is on the card."

Levi stepped forward, retrieving the card from her fingertips. He then offered a nod to the air, seemingly acknowledging an unseen presence.

"Thank you, Sati..." He turned and exited for the second time, pausing only to add with a trace of amusement in his voice, "Cute dance moves."

"..."

From behind the counter, Sati remained huddled, her face buried in her knees, desperately wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

After enduring a few moments of agonizing shame, Sati cautiously peeked over the counter. She breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming that no one else was present. For the first time, she felt grateful that her shop was empty.

‘I sincerely hope my unprofessionalism hasn't jeopardized his interest in a second purchase,’ Sati murmured, her gaze fixed on the bustling street.